Reflecting on Past at Guide Australia Day 2007 Breakfast
A perfect morning for the Coonabarabran Guide Breakfast began with the Flag raising to Advanced Australia Fair with an estimated crowd of 100.
Ellie Capewell introduced Mr Alex Bruce, the key note speaker for the morning. Mr Bruce shared with us some of the fascinating history of the property 'Uliman' in Mullaley, near Coonabarabran. Sharing his stories of growing up on a property in the early to mid 1900's,the realities of living and managing a property in rural Australia along with the many friendships and ties to people they lived and worked with. Mr Bruce entertained his audience with a variety of anecdotes including stories of toilets for 2; swaggies in the depression era; of honeymoons and family holidays being cut short due to fly blown sheep and even young peeping toms (who incidentally got ‘6 of the best’)
Gemma Evans was announced Girl Guide of the Year for the Waratah Guide Unit by Mrs Shirley Clifton with the annual shield then being presented to her by Mrs Joan McGuire.
Gemma read the Australia Day Message from State Guide Commissioner, Mrs Prue Carpenter, to all the Coonabarabran Guides.
Mrs Margaret Tierney traveled from Wellington to join us and share her recollections and current research into Australian Guiding History bringing with her Guide uniforms and various books from units, libraries and museums from around the region. This brought back many memories for past Brownies and Guides in the audience. Interestingly this research is part of the training Mrs Tierney is undertaking as part of her leadership within the Guiding movement.
The crowd enjoyed singing a catchy Grace sung to the tune of ‘Rock Around the Clock’ and then were served a delicious Aussie breakfast of Sausages, tomatoes and scrambled eggs on toast, closely followed by damper and golden syrup.
Be Prepared (As published in the p16 Coonabarabran Times 1st February 2007)


MY AUSTRALIA DAY Before I tell you about my Australia day I want you to know that my grand mother's birthday is on Australia day. Ok first of all we gave my Grandma her presents,her cards and then we got in the car and drove to Guides.
First we went through adult stuff which was kind of boring, then I showed Rosey the pony to the younger Guides then time flew by and we had breakfast kind of yum and that was practically my Australia day!!

by Harmony Otrupcek